In the lead-up to UFC 294, Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev remind fans that the battles aren’t just physical but psychological. The Chechen fighter’s DM was screenshotted by Costa and posted online.
Chimaev has allegedly DM’d Costa’s significant other, Tamara Alves, who also happens to be the manager of the former middleweight title challenger. Costa and Chimaev already have a beef stemming from their interaction the previous year.
Paulo Costa threatens to report Khamzat Chimaev
UFC 294 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night in Abu Dhabi. With both fighters returning from a year-long hiatus. For Costa and Chimaev, this isn’t just another fight. It’s a chance to demonstrate their MMA prowess, with the title hanging in the balance.
Chimaev, notorious for his bold proclamations, upped the ante in the psychological warfare by reminding Costa of his loss at UFC 253 against Israel Adesanya. However, instead of rising to the bait, Costa responded with a deft sidestep using the nickname ‘Gourmet Chen Chen.’
Tamara Alves, Costa’s manager, also stepped into the fray, deflecting Chimaev’s verbal volley with ease. Embracing Costa’s playful moniker for Chimaev, she turned the tables and even hinted that perhaps it’s Chimaev who’s feeling the pressure.
UFC 294 is headlined by a lightweight title rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. The event is presumed to do massive numbers with the addition of Costa vs. Chimaev.
Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev feud explained
When Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa unexpectedly locked horns at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, it turned into a battleground of words when they crossed paths. With Costa training with Jake Shields, who is close with the Chechen’s upcoming opponent, Nate Diaz, tensions were naturally high. Costa took to YouTube to air his views on the confrontation.
Jake Shields’ commentary added a different dimension to the narrative. He suggested that Chimaev’s display had a performative element. With the ever-present cameras capturing UFC’s every moment, it was no surprise fighters might play to the audience.
While Costa and Shields’ accounts painted a vivid picture, media outlets like The MacLife suggested otherwise. The rivalry would ultimately lead them to the co-main event spot of UFC 294. A victory for either of them could get them a middleweight title shot against Sean Strickland, the current middleweight champion.
Who wins the co-main event of UFC 294? Khamzat Chimaev? Paulo Costa? Comment below!
